How often have your walls, embattlements <br />Defended dauntless virtue lest it fall <br />To challenges, temptations, let defense <br />Against attacks, - hold strong, defeat them all? <br /> <br />Each time my hand approaches, I recall, <br />You turn your eyes and lips or breasts away, <br />No mass retreat, just subtle, quiet, small <br />Withdrawals fending off without delay <br /> <br />My overtures as oft so still we lay <br />Ourselves in compromise upon love's bed. <br />Sweet promises, faint whispers yesterday, <br />Lie dormant, mute, unheard, as if not said. <br /> <br />Refrain from love again, tonight, lie still <br />As I defend against your driven will.<br /><br />Lorenzo Costigliolo<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-chased-virgin-spenserian-sonnet-2-sonnet-70/
